Adobe Creative Suites

This blog was originally posted on Lindsey's personal blog/website and can be viewed here.

Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.. oh my! Each Adobe Creative Suite software offers a variety of techniques for design work. The decision of which program to use depends on the type design you are creating. The Adobe software is always adding updates that even myself, who has been dabbling in Photoshop since I was 16, still find myself learning something new everyday. Through exploration of these programs I found the strengths of each one and how using each program together can make for an amazing end product!

Photoshop
+ Photo/Image manipulation
+ Unique filters and color options
+ Selection of pixel-by-pixel
+ Masking and layer options

Photoshop is best program when working with images. Photoshop allows for editing, manipulating, adding special effects, and unique filters. With the edit pixel-by-pixel feature the images won't get distorted or pixelate. These images can easily be exported out in various file formats to be uploaded and used in other programs.

Illustrator
+ Vector based images
+ Designs can be enlarged
+ Able to link editable images from other programs
+ Create custom designs, text, and shapes

Illustrator is ideal for logo, graphics, and illustrations. Since Illustrator is vector based images, the design can be exported and enlarged to any platform and still maintain clarity. A variety of tools allow for creating shapes, wrapping text, and customizing a design. It's a difficult program to master, I have yet to know everything but it is one of the more professional programs for design work.

InDesign
+ Guides and Template layout organization
+ Multi-page capabilities
+ Wrapping text and text photos
+ Able to link editable images from other programs

InDesign is mainly used for organizing layouts and creating printed materials. The ability to create multi-page designs and customize grids is useful for magazine layouts, brochures, booklets, postcards, etc. After editing images in Photoshop and building logos in Illustrator, these files can be uploaded into InDesign than easily exported to a printable .eps or .pdf file.

Start designing today! The best way to learn is to jump in and practice. It isn't easy the first time but the more you create, the better you get. #TheAdobeReveal

Lindsey VanDenBoom, Account Associate | Lindsey is a senior at Grand Valley State University graduating with a major in Communication Studies and minor in Ad & PR and Art. She has a passion for seeking beauty in the simplest of things. Aside from the hustle and bustle of classes, intern and work, you can find her dancing, exploring new places, or enjoying a PB&J.

GrandPRApril 6, 2015